Water Resources and Conservation

Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Program

Purpose

The Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Program * (SLRGP) provides financial assistance to
property owners for the replacement of their private sewer lateral, which is often a source of
infiltration and inflow to the sewer collection system.

Replacing your sewer lateral to reduce infiltration and inflow of the sewer collection system is important, as it contributes to costs of your Petaluma utility bill.

Program Brochure

Program Application

Each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) the City of Petaluma allocates funds to the Sewer Later
Replacement Grant Program. $40,000 has been authorized for fiscal year 2015/2016.

* Not all SLRGP applications will be approved and are subject to
program qualification.

For questions or comments, please call (707) 778-4546

* Program Purpose
The Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Program (SLRGP) provides financial assistance to property owners for the replacement of their private sewer lateral, which, due to their age or condition, are often a source of groundwater infiltration and surface water inflow (I&I) to the sewer collection system.
Groundwater infiltration and inflow (I&I) to the sewer collection system increase the amount of wastewater processed at the City's wastewater treatment facility, which increases costs.

* Ownership / Responsibility
All sewer laterals belong to the property owner from the home or building to, and including, the connection at the City main. Property owners are responsible for all costs relating to their sewer lateral, including; installation, connection, maintenance, repair, reconstruction, alteration, abandonment or removal to prevent inflow and infiltration (See figure 1). (Ord. 2282 NCS §3 (part), 2007.) (Petaluma Municipal Code 15.40.060)

*What is a sewer lateral?
Sewer Lateral: The sewer lateral consists of the pipe that begins at the buildings plumbing system connection, usually a sewer cleanout located approximately two (2) feet from the foundation, and extends to, and includes, the connection at the public (city) sewer main.

*Infiltration and Inflow
Infiltration and Inflow: Infiltration is the seepage of groundwater into the sewer pipes through holes, cracks, joint failures and faulty connections. Inflow occurs when surface water flows into sewer pipes at points of direct connections such as roof, yard, foundation and basement sump drains.

*Grant Amount
The maximum amount of assistance for a sewer lateral replacement or repair is 50% of the approved cost, up to a maximum reimbursement of $2,000. Only complete replacement of the sewer lateral or a repair that completely eliminates infiltration and inflow is eligible for the program. All SLRGP applications are subject to approval by the Utilities Division.
Payment shall be made to the owner(s) following inspection and approval of completed work.

*Lateral inspection and testing
A closed circuit televised video (CCTV) inspection must be performed prior to any work being done to assess the lateral condition. The property owner must schedule a CCTV inspection with his/her contractor and Utilities Division personnel prior to repair or replacement of the sewer lateral in order for grant funding to be obligated.
All work must be performed by a licensed contractor and observed by Utilities Division personnel who will document the inspection or testing information.
Air Testing will be required if partial repair or replacement is performed on the sewer lateral in order to verify that inflow and infiltration has been eliminated. Air testing will not be required when full replacement of the lateral (from building cleanout to connection at the City sewer main) has been completed. Prior to connection at the main, if necessary, Utilities Division personnel will witness testing of the entire line from the building cleanout to the connection to the main. Testing will be performed by the applicant's contractor.

*SLRGP Check List
* Complete sections 1 and 2 and submit the completed application to Public Works & Utilities Department (202 North McDowell Blvd.) for review, determination of eligibility and approval.

* Receive a letter of approval, requirements and obligation. Obligating funds will only be issued by the Utilities Division to the property owner.

* After recieving an obligation letter, schedule a closed circuit televised video (CCTV) inspection with a licensed contractor which will be review by Utilities Division personnel prior to any work being performed.

* Submit minimum of three (3) quotes obtained from properly licensed contractors who perform one or more of the accepted sewer lateral replacement methods.
* Acquire the necessary encroachment permit from Public Works & Utilities.
* Notify the Utilities Division of scheduled work. A Division representative will inspect work on the lateral replacement as it occurs.

* Application
Complete sections 1 and 2 and submit the completed application to Public Works & Utilities Department (202 North McDowell Blvd.) for review and determination of eligibility.
Grant funds are available beginning July 1 of each fiscal year. Funds will be obligated on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds are allocated or the end of the fiscal year June 30. Funds will be allotted for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from approval. This shall include all work, inspection, and payment to Contractor by Applicant. Work not completed by June 30 of the current fiscal year may not be eligible for payment.
For consideration of the SLRGP, applicants must complete and submit the application form. Applications are available at the Department of Public Works & Utilities Water Field Office, 202 North McDowell Blvd., and at Public Works and Community Development, 11 English Street.

*Funding Approval
If program qualifications are not met prior to commencement of any construction work, the property owner will not be eligible for funding from the City. Any work to repair or replace the sewer lateral prior to receiving an approval-obligation letter from the Utilities Division is performed at the owner's risk and cost.